Tips for Maximizing Home Office Phone Lines

Jul 24th 2000

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Telecommuting and the home office are popular staples in today's business marketplace, but how wisely are you using your telephone lines? Chances are, you're not being as productive as you could be when it comes to the ins and outs of home wiring and line details.

ISDN is Possible - ISDN isn't only for the standard office environment. However, you'll need two lines to make an ISDN connection to the Internet. Considered the slowest option after the telephone hook-up, you'll still see enhanced speed if you make this type of connection.

Talk on DSL - DSL lines aren't only for Internet connections. You can use a DSL line to talk, so if you're limited by the number of lines you want to have, use the DSL line as a voice connection when it's necessary. If you are considering a DSL line, contact your phone company and your Internet Service Provider so you can compare prices.

Consider Cable - If DSL or ISDN are not options, consider connecting to the Internet via your cable line. Contact your cable television company to see if this service is available to you. Daytime cable speeds are extremely fast. Cable service slows down in the evening when more people are watching television.

Consider Satellite - You've been thinking about investing in a satellite dish anyway, right? Now it can be a business expense. A DirectPC satellite dish can provide Internet service.

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Fax Smartly! - avoid using your voice line as your fax line. It just isn't convenient; the ideal situation is to have two lines - one for voice and one for fax. However, if you are set on just one line, consider installing fax software or go to a Web-based service.

Think Network - If you plan to tie computers together in your home or home office, you will need a network There are three types of network setups to consider: phone line-based, electrical outlet-based, and wireless. With a network, all the computers will share one phone line and one Internet connection.

Be Proactive on Wiring - plan ahead for the day when computers are in almost every room of the house. When wiring your office, go ahead and run multiple lines to other jacks in the house. You'll be set for the future.